Friday, September 25, 2009

http://www.j4mie.org/2008/02/15/how-to-make-a-physical-gmail-notifier/ and http://blog.tinyenormous.com/2008/11/25/gmail-notifier-project-for-dummies/

This is something I have been trying to figure out for over three years!. To have physical objects like a bell, lights, and a gauge alert you when you get an email is a really complicated thing to figure out. There is a python script that checks for any new mail. There is also another script that prompts the python script to continuously check for new mail instead of just checking once, and there is a third script written out for a micro-controller to listen, wait, and take action when it receives news. The micro-controller has the bell, lights, and gauge attached to it. It is amazing to see it all in action. The links above only got me so far. I had to write a whole new code for my micro-controller. Once I did that, I was able to add the bell, gauge, and 2 vintage style light-bulbs. The best part about writing the code for the micro-controller was the freedom to make endless patterns. When I get an email now, one light-bulb blinks, then the gauge points to the other light-bulb and it blinks; this is repeated twice and ends with the bell ringing. The casing is from an old alarm clock, the gauge is from a multi-meter, and the electronics are held together by an Arduino and Arduino motor shield. This is by far one of my favorite projects. Any questions about making your own, write me at suitcasemachine@gmail.com. Or, even if you don't have any questions, email me anyway, just to activate The Email Notifier!